The sacrifice and tragedy of a country…

There are plenty of “where were you” moments in history for all of us. For some, it was December 7, 1941 when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and for others, August 16, 1977, when Elvis died, just to name a few. For me, it was Tuesday, September 11, 2001.

I was 25 years old and worked for a construction/development company in Brentwood. The morning began as every other morning for Daddy Brown and I. We had been married for almost 3 years and had just bought our first home. Daddy Brown woke early and went to work. As usual, I was stuck in traffic on my way to work. I didn’t have the radio on that morning as I was going through my head all the things I needed to complete for the day, completely unaware of what was to transpire through the day. Daddy Brown called me on my cell phone and asked me if I had heard the news…”kamikaze planes have hit the twin towers”. I’ll never forget that statement. I sat in traffic trying to find some news on the radio, but reports were sketchy and mostly speculation. I walked into the office and news was just breaking. The second plane had not hit so it was still possible this was an accident.

The President of the company I worked had a small 4” black and white television. We placed it in the window and watch a grainy reception. Then, the second plane hit. The image is as vivid today as it was then. What emotions, what sadness. Was it possible for two planes to accidentally hit the towers? Could this still be a mistake…No. Soon reports started coming in of plane crashes in Pennsylvania and the Pentagon. A tremendous amount of fear came over me. I personally didn’t know anyone that died that day, but I still felt like something was taken from me…my sense of security. We as a country were under attack. I ventured back to my cubicle and my direct boss and I kept running to each other’s desk with a new report we had heard online or on the radio. The first tower fell, the second tower fell and the day continued that way…It was not a productive work day.

When I came home that evening, Daddy Brown and I were glued to the television all evening and through the night. We cried and prayed for this to be a dream, but alas it was true. I’ll never forget that day and the innocent people that died. Even in tragedy my allegiance to my country grew exponentially that day. That was a sad day and truly sad that it took a tragedy to make these emotions and passions come to the surface. I pray every day for our country and our leaders, for our soldiers and our children of the future. Today as the war continues and our soldiers continue to fight, it inspires me to continue to send them support. I write letters and emails to soldiers currently deployed. I found a great website, www.Anysoldier.com. You can find soldiers from all 4 branches and choose a soldier to support. We currently support 4 soldiers and another friend. They sacrifice being at home with family and friends to protect us in the name of Freedom. On this day, I’m remembering the sacrifices of those for our country and the tragedy that transpired 8 years ago.

9/11 Video...As it happened.